"Insensitivity by some, kindness by others"

Early in December I attended the Early Pregancy unit for a reassurance scan due to having 2 miscarriages before. My previous experiences although very difficult the team have always been kind and caring.

However this visit I was told by the staff scanning that it was not a reassurance scan but viability scan, they were very abrupt as I had arrived 5 minutes late due to no parking spaces and reminded me that they had a very busy list.

Thankfully there was another staff member in the room, they helped to keep me calm as I was exceptionally anxious. Unfortunately my baby had no heart beat and I was again experiencing a miscarriage. The staff member scanning was very matter afact about it and didn't even ask if I wanted to see the screen, she just turned it round and pointed to the baby and said there was no heart beat. Thankfully the other staff member was there and guided me to the dreaded counselling room where the lovely Heather guided me through my options.

Whilst in the counselling room 2 members of staff were outside giggling and making lots of noise decorating the Christmas tree. I have no objection to the tree or decorations but they need to learn a little sensitivity! I opted for surgical management while awake the next day. I had to stay for medications and to see the Doctor. Whilst waiting the 2 staff members decorating the tree continued in high spirits, I found this exceptionally difficult.

I attended the next day, on arrival I was greeted by Heather who held my hand throughout the procedure, the procedure itself was very straightforward and I went home. 

My thoughts, the words viability scan seems very uncaring. The person scanning needs training on how to sensitively break bad news. I don't objection to the Christmas tree infact it was a lovely tree but I believe the 2 people involved were totally insensitive to what was happening around them. Thankfully there were some familiar faces to get me through my experience and I just want to express my sincerest thanks to Michelle and Heather.